Newport News teen shot in face with birdshot pellets

NEWPORT NEWS — A teen from Newport News is recovering after being shot in the face with birdshot over the weekend.

Police spokesman Lou Thurston said the 16-year-old male shooting victim was admitted to a local hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. The victim was shot around 11 a.m. Sunday near the intersection of 9th and Ivy in Newport News.

According to the police report, he was struck by small pellets of birdshot. Witnesses told police that the shooter fled the scene in a red sport utility vehicle. He is described as a light-skinned black male, about 6-foot-2 and slim, dressed in black clothing.